Strengthening Political Literacy through Civic Learning: A Study of Democratic Education among University Students
Keywords:
political literacy, civic learning, democratic education, university students, political awareness, civic participationAbstract
Political literacy is an important component of civic competence because university students need to understand democratic institutions, political processes, public issues, and their rights and responsibilities as citizens. Civic learning can provide opportunities for students to develop political knowledge, analytical skills, political awareness, and meaningful participation in democratic life. This article aims to examine how civic learning can strengthen political literacy among university students through democratic education. A literature review method was employed to examine recent studies concerning civic education, political literacy, democratic participation, political awareness, and participatory learning in higher education. The findings indicate that discussion-based learning, case analysis, project-based learning, deliberative activities, political issue analysis, and student participation can strengthen students’ understanding of democratic processes and develop critical and reflective civic dispositions. Therefore, democratic education in higher education should move beyond theoretical knowledge and provide students with opportunities to analyze political issues, evaluate information, engage in dialogue, and practice responsible participation in democratic life.
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